2007 Backpacking Light Staff Picks

Icebreaker base layers – like Alison, I like the 'low stench' factor. The Icebreaker merino wool is also comfortable and 'no itch', plus comfortable in a wide range of temperatures.

Nunatak Ghost quilt – love the texture of the Pertex shell, the warmth of the down, the comfort of being able to vent easily, and the low weight.

Darn Tough Vermont Micro Crew socks – durable, comfortable.

bushbuddy : i have been using it now for a year ie about 4 one week trips, its light , its fun

tarptent double rainbow : only way i could convince my wife to leave our 4.2lb tent at home :)

Valandré mirage sleeping bag : i am in love with it ( the 35cm one )

Komperdell C3 duolock, i should have put them first :)
i cannot hike without trekking poles, my back is in a very bad shape ( car accident) and the only way i can support any weight on my shoulders is by using trekking poles, the movement of the shoulders when using poles, keeps my back muscles from contracting and being painful.
i love their weight / stiffness for 3 sections poles.

err thats 4 items, but its so hard to remove one .

Here's my list:

Homemade down quilt. I've never been as proud of anything as I am of this quilt. I've used it on hot, muggy Missouri summer nights and down to the upper 20's with supplementing clothing. Easily my favorite piece of gear.

Leki Ti UL poles. They weigh barely under a pound for the pair, so they're relatively heavy by SUL standards, but I couldn't imagine hiking without them anymore. They're great for kickstand to sit on for a short rest, moving branches off the trail, setting up my tarp, keeping people in line, giving my hands something to do while hiking, and great for some added push up big hills. And I got them for 50% off :D.

Homemade Liberty Ridge windshirt. I was astounded at how much I actually use it and how handy it is. Who would have thought that a 3 oz shirt would be able to extend my range of comfort so much. The only thing it really lacks is good breathability, since I made it out of 1.1 oz DWR ripstop. I still have the pattern, so I may order some Momentum90 one of these days and make another.

Two pieces of gear I haven't yet used enough to put them on this list are the GG Whisper and my homemade poncho-tarp. I haven't really used the Whisper on that many trips but the times it has been out I've been really impressed with it.
I just made my poncho-tarp two weeks ago and got a chance to use it as a tarp this past weekend. It worked really well as a tarp; I still haven't tested it as rain gear though. But at only 7.25 oz, how could I not like it!

Adam

Montbell UL comfort pad system.

I really like the integrated system which consists of 3 items: 90 cm (35 inch) torso pad, inflatable pillow, and closed cell foam extension pad. What sets the system apart is the toggle system that allows you to toggle the components together.

BPL Cocoon hoodie.

Warm and super light. The hood is great in combination with a hoodless bag.

Ryan Bozis alcohol stove http://hikinghq.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1054

Learned about this stove from Andrew Skurka's website. It's similar to a supercat stove but much easier to make. Compared to the supercat it burns a little slower and more efficiently with a more contained flame so it works well with narrow pots.

homemade Liberty Ridge windcoat, with full molded zip and hood, 1.1 oz dwr. this has been ever reliable and useful for several years and I've been quite impressed with it's durability. It almost always comes with me for its meager 3 oz weight.

Cilogear 60L Worksack, Version 1. Versatile, light, durable, and comfortable, and carries everything I need for rock climbing, mountaineering, and guiding backpacking trips.

Montrail Hardrock trail runners. I got these on sale this August, and after wearing out 4 pairs of Sportiva Exum Ridges, the Hardrocks felt really comfortable, having more padding and a wider toebox than the Exum Ridges. Granted, I still love the scrambling and climbing ability of the Exum Ridges, but for putting in miles on a trail the Hardrock is where its at.

and, I can't resist number 4… my Paramo Aspira Jacket. Yes, its heavy, but in cold, wet conditions, or anytime in winter, it really simplifies layering, and the weight counts for hard shell, soft shell, and some insulation. Very comfortable and breathable too!

My Picks:
1: Caldera Cone System — an alcohol based complete system that is light, well made, and works!

2: Montbell Super Stretch Sleeping Bags — pick one it doesn't matter which… they are all wonderful for the person who tosses and turns and is looking for a truely well made lightweight down bag.

3: Exped DM7 shortie: More and more my go to pad year round. Yes it is heavier than most pads. But oh the comfort and warmth this pad provides. Combined with a pad chair converter from thermarest, this pad becomes a great camp chair. Can be used to float around on Alpine lakes. I don't need as warm a bag in the cold when using this pad.

I am sure that I could add to this list but 3 is the limit.

New to me this year that I like especially well:

ULA Equipment Circuit backpack

Patagonia Houdini windshirt

Shires' Contrail tarptent

ULA Conduit: Worked so well on a month thru this year.

TT Contrail: This will probably remain my favorite shelter for a very long time.

TiGoat CF Adjustable Poles: Were great on the long trek. So light, and they took a beating, too.

Thanks for the information Roger.

My top 3:
Jacks'R'Better No Sniveler quilt: comfortable, warm, versatile, and well made.I slept warm every night I used it this summer, even when others in 15 degree mummies were cold.

Titanium Goat basic bivy: Sure, there's better bivies for a lot more money, but this was a great deal, and with just a 1.1 dwr top, kept me dry in a 20 minute light-rain this summer (I didn't even wake up, and I sleep light in the field)

REI Peak UL Trekking Poles: Not my first year with them, but the year that sold me on them completely. Light, stiff, and adjustable. Comfortable grips and straps too.

1. Sea to Summit Quagmire Canvas gaiters.
these have copped alot of abuse this year and have served me incredibly well, and are yet to show any signs of wear…much more durable and comfortable than all the previous gaiters I've used. Fit is excellent.

2. Buff (original).
i've spent alot of time in the sun, and this thing has proven itself working out in the Desert in the middle of Summer (both walking and on quad-bikes), Bushwalking, Rogaining, Running and Cycling. It has worked well doubled up as warmwear for my head and ears in particular, at night, and it keeps dust storms and insects out fine. If only they made it about 4 inches longer…so that it would provide more coverage as a balaklava under a helmet.

3. GoSo sun gloves.
in all the activities above, I've found these fantastic. When you are under the hot Australian sun everyday, working in the dirt with animals, you don't want to be using sunscreen, and these filled the last gap that long pants, long sleeved shirt, wide-brimmed hat, buff and sunnies couldn't cover. I found them quite airy, and comfortable. The material is fine for wiping sweat out of the eyes.

(While I like shorts and gaiters for bushwalking; I'm now anti sunscreen above the knees, and in extreme heat I'm now actually converted to wearing long pants-thinking like an Arab).

Hey Ryan…is there an easy way for you to share the gear template you use in google docs?